When it comes to choosing a family car, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive vehicle. SUVs, compact vans, and sedans with high safety ratings, spacious interior, and modern technology are all suitable for family outings. The most important thing is that buying an affordable yet decent performing family car won’t put a major dent in your wallet.
When selecting a family car, many factors need to be considered. The chosen vehicle should be practical enough to handle daily tasks like shopping, school drop-offs, and family vacations. It should also be suitable for commuting. Opting for SUVs, sedans, or vans with high safety and reliability ratings can provide peace of mind for the whole family. Affordability is also a crucial factor for many families.
“The U.S. News & World Report” has selected the 12 most affordable family cars on the market, with affordability being one of the primary considerations. These models offer refined interiors, excellent performance, and have garnered praise from automotive critics. Safety, reliability, fuel economy, ownership costs, and cargo space were also taken into account.
Starting Price: $28,400
Overall Score: 8.8/10
The next-generation Toyota Camry, the best-selling sedan in the U.S. market, will come equipped with a hybrid powertrain system.
The redesigned Camry will feature a 225-horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with Toyota’s latest hybrid technology and various driver-assist functions.
Starting Price: $36,190
Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Kia Telluride, a popular model in the U.S., comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and five USB-C ports.
The 2024 Telluride model includes the FCA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, which detects pedestrians and bicycles, enhancing handling efficiency with the “Intersection Turning” technology. It also offers Smart Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following, and Lane Keeping Assist.
Starting Price: $36,650
Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Hyundai Palisade features a luxurious and practical interior, providing comfortable, spacious, and intelligent cabin space for passengers. It can accommodate 7 or 8 people depending on seat configuration and material.
Rear passengers have adjustable seats, cup holders, air vents, USB ports, touch reading lights, foldable tray tables, and a 10.25-inch rear entertainment screen for video playback. The cargo space is ample and flexible, with a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet.
Starting Price: $20,190
Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Soul is a compact hatchback model equipped with advanced smart technology.
Starting Price: $38,240
Overall Score: 8.6/10
The 2024 Honda Odyssey, a midsize MPV, offers fabric or leather-wrapped seats that are comfortable and luxurious. The 10.1-inch touch LCD screen provides vibrant colors and supports voice-controlled multimedia, air conditioning, and phone functions through the “Honda Connect” smart system. The wireless CarLife functionality further enhances entertainment options.
The 2024 model adds over ten features including intelligent light switching system, digital key, remote air conditioning operation, smart voice recognition, and more.
Starting Price: $27,600
Overall Score: 8.4/10
The compact SUV offers a upgraded exterior design in line with the Hyundai family’s aesthetic, improved interior, and multiple power options such as fuel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. The dual-screen design features a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and center console, with a through-type air vent design to enhance visual width. There are two cupholders and a wireless charging panel beneath the center console, along with upgraded soundproofing.
Starting Price: $27,895
Overall Score: 8.4/10
After decades of evolution and refinement, the Honda Accord has become an outstanding model in the midsize sedan segment. The 2024 model represents reliability and practicality, winning a good reputation in the market with its excellent performance and comfort, becoming the top choice for many families.
Starting Price: $25,590
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The Kia K5 is a feature-rich sedan with a lower Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price than most competitors. From a relaxed, quiet driving experience to comfortable front seats, the K5 offers a sense of sophistication and value.
Standard features include a range of driver-assist technologies and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
Starting Price: $27,190
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The Kia Sportage is one of the most competitively priced models in the compact SUV segment. It offers a spacious cabin, especially for rear passengers, while front passengers will appreciate the user-friendly infotainment system. However, the touch panel below the touchscreen may distract the driver while driving.
Additionally, the vehicle provides ample cargo space for carrying family travel essentials.
Starting Price: $33,600
Overall Score: 8.2/10
This midsize MPV offers spacious, comfortable interior space, rich features, a versatile cargo area, improved efficiency, and better performance. The comfort level of the first and second-row seats is outstanding. Compared to other MPVs, the third row provides ample space.
The dual-screen center console design exudes a high-tech feel. The seats are wrapped in premium leather, offering high comfort and style. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with multiple high-tech features such as automatic driving assist systems, smart connectivity systems, advanced suspension and braking systems, providing a stable driving experience for the whole family in any road condition.
The 2025 model will introduce a hybrid powertrain option for the first time.
Starting Price: $42,040
Overall Score: 8.2/10
While the Lexus ES is a luxury vehicle with the highest price among the 12 models, it is one of the most affordable luxury cars available. It offers a high-quality, spacious interior and a plethora of standard features. Each ES model comes with leather upholstery, Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a sunroof, and innovative safety features like Intersection Assist.
Although the hybrid version of this car achieves optimal fuel efficiency, the four-cylinder ES deserves praise for its fuel economy among luxury midsize cars.
Starting Price: $21,625
Overall Score: 8.1/10
This affordable car comes equipped with many standard features, including an infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Each Elantra model offers a range of safety features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. However, the interior quality of the Elantra, as a compact sedan, may not be as impressive as desired.